Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar left the game against the Calgary Flames on Monday with an upper-body injury.
The 27-year-old defenseman did not return for the third period after appearing to be shaken up late in the second frame on a hit by Adam Klapka at Ball Arena. Despite the contact, Makar initially stayed in the game, finishing his shift and taking two more before the intermission.
Makar had been dominant prior to the exit, logging 17:15 of ice time and recording three assists.
Cale Makar will not return due to an upper-body injury.
— Evan Rawal (@evanrawal) March 31, 2026
Makar is now up to 75 points in 73 games, putting him on pace for over 80 points for the third straight year. His three-assist performance on Monday moved him into seventh place in franchise history for the most career games with at least three assists.
The Calgary native helped the club win the Stanley Cup in 2022, taking home the Conn Smythe and the Norris Trophy for the first time in his career. Makar won the Norris as top defenseman again in 2025, and was part of Canada’s roster that won the 4 Nations Face-Off a year ago, and silver at the Winter Olympics in 2026.
The Avalanche (49-14-10) currently lead the NHL with 108 points, holding a narrow edge over the Dallas Stars for the Presidents' Trophy.